I am genuinely excited for the season for the first time in at least five years.

No summer turmoil has meant we have actually been able to recruit some decent players with Andy Williams and Richard Chaplow looking like particularly shrewd signings.

Add to that the possibility of seeing two or three of our youth set-up making it into the first team squad and there is plenty of grounds for optimism.

It has been a long time coming but the likes of Mitchell Lund, Harry Middleton, Billy Whitehouse and the McKay brothers look great prospects, and it is testament to the owners that we are now reaping the rewards of local talent emerging into the first team ranks.

It would be a fair statement that Paul Dickov did not meet the expectations of the fans last year. We often looked devoid of ideas and we rarely competed with those at the top end of the table on the pitch - but this season could be different.

Meanwhile, the DRSG’s work with the Black Bank seems to be becoming a true success story. We’ve been overwhelmed with the response from the fans so far, and the atmosphere at the pre-season games was better than 90 per cent of last season’s home games.

Some very generous donations from supporters have also meant we can invest in flags to make the South Stand our own.

With our opener at Bury followed by a cup clash with Leeds United we’re expecting the numbers to swell. Rain or shine, win or lose, we intend to get behind the lads for 90 minutes.

Dickov has already stated the difference it makes to the team’s performances so if you want to get involved, or have any ideas about how we can make things better, let us know via any of our social media channels.